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Understanding Allergies page 2 page one | two | three----------------------------- Eczema. Asthma & Rhinitis People suffering from eczema and other skin conditions, caused or aggravated by wool and/or man-made fibres, will be interested to learn about the following company which produces all-cotton goods. Schmidt Natural Clothing Company 21 Post Horn Close Forest Row East Sussex RH18 5DE Tel: 01342 822 169 website: www.naturalclothing.co.uk Those suffering from asthma and rhinitis may wish to know that the leading suppliers of anti-house dust mite products and dust-proof bedding are: Allerayde Limited 1b Enterprise Park Brunel Drive Newark, Notts NG24 2DZ Tel: 01636 613 609 Website: www.allerayde.co.uk Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME) (Post-Viral Syndrome, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) Myalgic Encephalomyelitis is a form of multiple allergies, coming in the wake of a recognised virus. There is no doubt that other (as yet unrecognised) viruses, or any other cause which lowers the immune system, can trigger equally severe symptoms in susceptible people. Whatever the cause, the condition in many cases can be improved dramatically by discovering and eliminating the individual allergens involved, and by building up the immune system as previously described. Studies prove that Oil of Evening Primrose and essential fatty acids in the form of fish oils can greatly help this condition. Candidiasis [back to the menu] Candida Albicans is one of the microorganisms found in the gut of all human beings. The yeast-like fungus can multiply and cause infections or allergic reactions. This condition is known as Candidiasis. The symptoms may include indigestion, cystitis, wind, abdominal pain, bloating, anal irritation, diarrhoea (or constipation) and possibly depression as well. Some doctors put patients onto prolonged candida diets. However, the symptoms may equally be caused by food allergy, requiring only a short time to prove or disprove, which is why it is advisable to try an elimination diet first. There is nothing to lose, and you may find you get rid of some other symptoms at the same time. Anaphylactic Shock (Anaphylaxis) [back to the menu] The most likely causes of this severe, but still relatively rare, form of allergic reaction, are wasp and bee stings, injections of drugs such as penicillin, aspirin, artificial colourings such as tartrazine, nuts, cows’ milk, eggs, fish and shellfish, but the most common cause of all appears to be peanuts. Other names for peanut oil are groundnut oil and arachis oil. Peanut oil used in medications is always referred to as arachis oil. Symptoms include swelling, red itchy blotches, asthma, faintness, nausea, anxiety and confusion. If the symptoms are severe, dial 999 for an ambulance and request a paramedic. Paramedics have the means and knowledge to administer an antidote as they are trained in dealing with medical emergencies, including severe allergic reactions. This need not be a life-threatening condition, providing proper precautions are taken. These include: - The patient must have an adrenaline kit with him/her at all times. One supply at home and another at school/work. Every teacher and child-minder must be informed, and as many work colleagues as deemed necessary. These people should be shown how to administer the medication. Friends and relatives must also be informed. The Epipen Adrenaline Injector (Epipen Junior for young children) available on prescription, is effective and produces rapid results. Equally effective are the Anapen Adrenaline Injector and the Anapen Junior produced by Allerayde Limited. Allerayde Limited 1b Enterprise Park Brunel Drive Newark Notts NG24 2DZ Tel: 01636 613 609 website: www,allerayde.co.uk The patient should wear a Medic-Alert necklace or bracelet (bracelet is safer for children) to ensure all medical details can be ascertained rapidly in case of emergency. Medic-Alert operates a twenty-four hour service. The Medic-Alert Foundation 1, Bridge Wharf 156 Caledonian Road London, N1 9UU Tel: 0207 833 3034 Freephone: 0800 581420 Website: www.medicalert.org.uk A daily dose of vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine and therefore helps minimise any allergic reaction. Vitamin C is a valuable supplement, but it should never be used as a substitute for any form of medication. For the child/adult who suffers from multiple food allergies the safest brands can be obtained from a firm such as General Nutrition Centres: General Nutrition Centres Weyvern House Weyvern Park Old Portsmouth Road Peasmarsh Guildford GU3 1NA Tel: 08456 013248 website: www.gnc.co.uk For further information on life-threatening allergies, send large SAE to: The Anaphylaxis Campaign P.O. Box 275 Farnborough Hants, GU14 6SX Tel: 01252 542029 Website: www.anaphylaxis.org.uk Cot Deaths [back to the menu] Cot deaths which cannot be accounted for by other means may be due to severe allergic reactions when foods are introduced for the first time (this could be the second time after antibodies have formed from the first intake). Twenty per cent of the population is said by the medical profession to fall into the hypersensitive category. Babies are particularly vulnerable, due to their immature digestive and immune systems. Allergic reactions can come on rapidly and be severe, and disappear the same way, leaving no trace of symptoms in their wake. One manifestation of allergy (and there are others which could be implicated) is swelling. It does not take much swelling to temporarily close a baby's air passages and thus cause suffocation. If this is the case, then at least some cot deaths could be avoided by the following means: Breast feed for as long as possible. If bottle feeding, check the formula contains no peanut oil. When weaning, introduce only the least allergenic foods first, and only at a time when your baby's health is good - and keep a watchful eye on any possible reaction, especially where cows' milk is concerned. FOODS DISCOVERING YOUR ALLERGENS [back to the menu] Before assuming that you are food allergic and embarking on an elimination diet, you are recommended to check with your doctor that he/she does not wish to give you any tests. If you are on tranquillisers or any other drugs, do not give these up without first consulting your doctor. This having been established, by following an elimination diet it is possible to discover your own allergens. Possible inhalant allergens in the home environment should be removed whilst undertaking the diet, so as to avoid confusion. Ideally, if you are working, you should undertake this over a holiday period because there may be unavoidable inhalant allergens in your place of work. The principle of this diet is to eat only those things to which people are least likely to be allergic. The diet must be taken for at least five days but preferably a week (and in some rare cases two weeks may be required), to give the system time to eliminate any offending foods. During this time withdrawal symptoms may be experienced. Therefore, you may find that you feel increasingly unwell for the first few days of the diet, but nearer the end of the week most people will begin to feel very much better, and new foods should not be introduced until such a time. Do not stay on the elimination diet for more than two weeks. You are advised to eat and/or drink something every two to three hours (and take plenty) of those foods allowed. It is advisable to keep a record of all foods and drinks taken, and any reactions experienced. Toothpaste should not be used (sodium bicarbonate is a good substitute); otherwise corn allergies will not withdraw. Even the finest trace of food (e.g. by licking a finger in cooking) may prevent withdrawal. -------------------------------------------- Elimination Diet (Suitable for Adults and Children) Fresh white fish Fresh meat (except pork) Fresh fruit (except citrus fruits and grapes) Fresh vegetables (except peas, beans and tomatoes) Brown rice Bottled water (preferably in a glass bottle - e.g. Malvern Water) If you feel sure that any one of the above foods disagrees with you, then you should exclude it. Remember to use only bottled water both for drinking and cooking your rice and vegetables. -------------------------------------------- Re-Introducing Foods [back to the menu] Do not start re-introducing foods until your symptoms have disappeared or, at least, are much improved. Test your tap water first. If you experience a reaction continue with bottled water for the time being. Later you can buy a water filter from a health food shop or chemist. Next, introduce foods singly (and in small quantities to start with) and only one in 24 hours, because some foods can cause a delayed reaction. If you remain well over a 24-hour period, then that food can be added to your 'safe' diet. If not, it must be eliminated, and put on your suspect list. Do not try another food until you are feeling better. Continue in this manner until you have built up a staple diet. Unpleasant reactions can be relieved by taking two teaspoonfuls of sodium bicarbonate in a glass of warm water. If you have allergic symptoms which are severe but less frequent (for instance, a weekly migraine) you should not need to go on an elimination diet. Instead, you should be able to identify your allergen by making a list of where you were, what you did, and what you ate and drank during the twenty-four hours prior to starting your symptoms. By doing this two or three times, a common denominator should emerge. If after two weeks on this diet, you should feel worse, it may be that you are allergic to one of the foods on the elimination diet. If there is no change in your condition, you may be suffering from an inhalant allergy to something in your environment, either at home or at your place of work. In that case, going away from your home environment for a few days could help to clarify the position. If you are ill at certain times of the year only, this may indicate some outside environmental seasonal allergen, for which your own doctor can probably treat you. You may have a combination of allergens but, by being your own detective, you can work these out for yourself. If you are unable to do this, or if you are left with too few foods to constitute a balanced diet (in spite of supplementing it with the necessary vitamins and minerals), you can seek treatment from a doctor working in the field of environmental illness. It is as well to know that many of those in private practice charge high fees. --------------------------------------------- REGAINING A TOLERANCE TO FOOD ALLERGENS [menu] After discovering and eliminating your worst allergens, be they foods or inhalants, and when you have remained well for some time, you will find that some previous lesser allergens can now be tolerated because you have raised your allergy threshold. If you are a severe sufferer you are advised to rotate your foods so that you avoid eating the same foods every day. Doctors often advise a four day rotation diet (eating different foods every day for four days and then starting again). This is a precaution worth following as far as possible, because it minimises the chances of developing new allergies. Some people will not have enough foods to make this a practical proposition and will just have to do the best they can. It is important to eat as varied a diet as possible, and you can find new 'safe' foods at health food shops. Your general state of health is closely related to your allergy tolerance level which will be affected by your emotional and environmental circumstances, your physical routine and so on. So, to give yourself the best chance of staying well, avoid any type of stress as much as possible and live within your own limitations. This will help you to build up your immune system and keep well. Masked Allergies Masked allergies are those allergies which make you temporarily feel better after eating or drinking certain foods (as with alcohol for the alcoholic). This boost-up may last for several hours before you relapse into your chronically unwell condition. You may return to the offending food again, not realising this is a sub-conscious reaction in order to feel better, thereby setting the cycle in motion again. If you find you are craving a food, you are likely to be allergic to it. --------------------------------------------- FOOD SUBSTITUTES [back to the menu] Foods available from health food shops include: Soya milk, sweetened or unsweetened Soya yoghurts, Soya puddings Soya cheese, sheep's milk cheese, goats' milk cheese Alternative natural sweeteners (artificial ones are definitely not recommended). Honey is good for those who can tolerate it. A wide variety of alternative grains Rye crisp bread and rice cakes Soya, sunflower and other non-dairy margarines Carob bars and carob powder (in place of chocolate) Dandelion Coffee, Barley Cup and other coffee substitutes Herbal teas of many varieties (these are caffeine- free but some may contain tannin) When you have discovered which natural foods you or your child can tolerate, you may wish to introduce - for the sake of convenience - some processed foods. It is important to realise that some highly allergic people will produce symptoms with any foods containing artificial additives. Most biscuits come into this category. If they cannot be tolerated but certain individual ingredients can, then home baking is the answer, and baking in large batches and storing in a freezer may prove the best time saver. Anything which is made outside the home should be checked. Even 100% wholemeal bread - which is the purest - usually contains an emulsifier. Those whose diets are further limited will be interested in the following mail order company which produces a range of basic foodstuffs especially tailored to the needs of allergy sufferers and others requiring special diets. Allergyfree Direct Ltd 5 Centremead Osney Mead OX2 OES Tel: 01865 722 003 Website: www.allergyfreedirect.co.uk If you wish to buy some processed foods, check the list of ingredients first. Heinz, for example, state their products to be free from artificial colours and preservatives (although they do use a flavour enhancer in some of their products -sodium glutamate. This is almost identical to monosodium glutamate and can give some people a nasty reaction). Squashes, colas and other canned drinks are particularly high in additives and can be replaced by pure fruit juices sold in cartons, which can be diluted if preferred. Ingredients have to be checked carefully. Do not assume that all health food shop products are additive-free, or that all supermarket products are not. Not all additives are bad for you but, for a variety of reasons, some are definitely worth avoiding. For further information see list of ‘E’ Numbers on these pages. [List of ‘E’ Numbers] WOMEN [back to the menu] Women suffering from pre-menstrual tension, post natal depression or menopausal symptoms may already be using their supply of hormones in counteracting hitherto undiagnosed allergies, and therefore have an inadequate supply when they are needed in extra amounts at these special times. Avoiding food and inhalant allergens will help prevent stress. The same applies to pregnant women who suffer from prolonged sickness. Early morning sickness for the first three months is not abnormal as the body adapts to its hormonal changes, but prolonged severe vomiting is, in which case you will need nutritional advice because you may require B6 and magnesium supplementation. The greatly increased sense of smell that some women experience may be the result of temporary inhalant sensitivities, which, in turn, cause the vomiting. Discovering and avoiding these can eliminate the need for drugs. Post-menopausal women who are put onto HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) sometimes find this helps their allergies too. © Food & Chemical Allergy Association
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